About a week and a half ago I made the decision (after ok’ing it with my wife of course) that I am going to compete in the 2011 Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championship.

Was I expecting it to feel more serious by announcing it on a blog? Hmm…  yeah. But it still feels the same; like a great idea!

When I started BJJ, competition was not on the list.  It felt that I was getting enough from just going to different classes and rolling with a few others.  After all, when you’re getting your ass handed to you by everyone you roll with, it feels like enough.

I have the good fortune of being able to train with a wide range of  people.  People who have competed at the Pan-Ams and have a good idea of what to expect.  People who have and do fight on a professional level as well. And those I talk with are more than happy to offer advice or work something particular.

What I like about setting a goal is that you only have the idea of what you want to accomplish.  The magic happens in the journey.  The more attention you apply toward it, the more the journey unfolds into things you never could have imagined.

As of today I began the Paleo diet.  Kind of a healthy version of Atkins diet.  It had been recommended on numerous occasions I try out CrossFit.  I did two classes last week. One was with Damon Stewart at Wasatch CrossFit.  Being a BJJ practitioner himself, Damon made it clear how he understood which muscle groups in particular I’ll want to focus on.  I’ve canceled my Gold’s Gym membership, and will begin CrossFit in October.

For BJJ training specifically I’ll be working out 2-3 times a week, with a few Open Mat classes at other locations.  This part is the most challenging since I’ll be training in the evening, and that’s when my wife needs my assistance the most with the kids.  She has graciously agreed to work with me on this, for which I cannot thank her enough.

My wife asked me what I’ll do once the Pan-Ams are over.  I’m much much MUCH more fun to be around when I’ve had my daily dose of endorphins. I swam competitevly for 7 seasons in my youth, and every off season I would dip into a deep depression for weeks.  I know the down side of taking too much time off after a long period of work.  Maybe I’ll want to continue to compete.  Maybe, I’ll be satisfied with the experience and call it good.

I’m excited to meet the guy I’ll become from this journey.